GO Rail Expansion - 401 Hwy Rail Tunnel

The Story

The 401 Rail Tunnel project delivers a major infrastructure upgrade beneath North America’s busiest highway, enabling two-way, electrified GO service on the Kitchener Corridor. Spanning 176 metres under 21 lanes of traffic, the tunnel was constructed using sequential excavation to maintain full highway operations throughout.

The scope included track sub-grade preparation, signal conduit installation, and a dry standpipe system. Innovative boring technology and a first-of-its-kind pipe roof system in Ontario enhanced safety, minimized disruption, and accelerated delivery—supporting the future of regional transit.

Achievements

• Top 100 Biggest Infrastructure Projects, Platinum Category, ReNew Canada, 2020
• Silver - National Awards for Innovation & Excellence (Infrastructure), Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships, 2021
• Engineering Project of the Year - Large Project Category, Professional Engineers of Ontario - York Chapter, 2021
• Canadian Project of the Year Over $100 Million Award, Tunnelling Association of Canada, 2022